NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsMedium
An EMT arrives on scene to find an unconscious patient in a vehicle that has struck a utility pole. There are visible sparks and a downed power line across the hood of the vehicle. What is the EMT's IMMEDIATE priority?
- AApproach the vehicle cautiously to assess the patient's airway.
- BContact medical control for advice.
- CEstablish a safe zone and await trained personnel.
- DAttempt to extricate the patient immediately.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Establish a safe zone and await trained personnel.
Visible sparks and a downed power line indicate a severe electrical hazard. The EMT's immediate priority is to ensure scene safety by establishing a safe zone and awaiting the arrival of trained utility personnel to de-energize the power line before attempting patient contact.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Approaching a vehicle with a downed power line is unsafe and violates fundamental scene safety principles.
- B. While medical control may be contacted later, the immediate priority is scene safety, which does not require medical advice.
- D. Attempting extrication with an electrical hazard is extremely dangerous and could result in injury or death to the EMT.
Scene Safety: Electrical Hazards
The paramount importance of identifying and mitigating electrical hazards before approaching a scene or patient to ensure the safety of EMS personnel and bystanders.
- Downed power lines are extremely dangerous and can energize vehicles and ground.
- Assume all downed lines are live.
- Establish a safe zone (typically one full span of utility poles away) and await utility company.
Memory trick: See Sparks, Stay Safe, Call Experts